History of the Pyramids in Giza.

Introduction

2593 BCE

Almost everyone around the world knows about Egypt and their historical pyramids, but not many know the history of the pyramids themselves. This timeline will help to inform the reader on who built these pyramids, why they were built and how they did it.

General Information

2592 BCE

The three iconic pyramids were each built to house the mummified remains and gifts for the afterlife of several powerful and influential rulers. The pyramids (from smallest to largest) were built for Pharaoh Menkaure, Pharaoh Khafre and also Pharaoh Khufu. These pyramids have withstood the test of time and are apart of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

What is the purpose of a pyramid?

2591 BCE

Pyramids were built from the Old Kingdom all the way up until the end of the Middle Kingdom. So far we know of about 80-100 pyramids in Egypt thanks to new technology. While the buildings may be flashy and grand their intended purpose was more for religion. In ancient Egypt they believed in an afterlife. The soul lives on even though the body dies so in order to be prepared in the afterlife the Pharaoh would have his tomb filled with necessities on his journey. Anything from food to jewels.

Khufu begins his reign.

2589 BCE

The oldest and first Pharaoh to build a pyramid that would be the tallest building for centuries starts his ruling in Egypt. His pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is also the only one that is still intact today.

Khafre is born.

2575 BCE

Khufu has a son who will soon take over his throne.

Khufu completes construction.

2560 BCE

It took at least 10, but up to 20 years to build the pyramid for Khufu.
About 2.3 million individual blocks were cut, shaped and moved to the site from nearby quarries. Each way more than 2 tons.The materials used were limestone for casting and granite for the kings chamber and the exterior. Thousands of workers spent everyday, for years, building the pyramid.

Khafre takes over.

2558 BCE

Khafra was the son of Khufu and inherited and took over for his father as ruler after his older brother Djedefre. There is not much known about him except for the fact that he was also a ruler under the 4th dynasty. He bult his pyramid next to his fathers. There is also much speculation about how long his reign was exactly however historians believe it was 20-24 years long.

Menkaure begins his reign.

2532 BCE

After Menkaure's father, Khafre, passes away he takes over his father's position and reigns over the nation, however historians have estimates that he ruled anywhere from 8 to over 60 years. He was the last Pharaoh to build his pyramid out of the three. Not much is known about him, there is no proven birth date for him

Khafre dies.

2532 BCE

Khafre dies and his son Merkaure steps up and becomes the next King in the 4th Dynasty.

Khafre's pyramid.

2530 BCE

Being the second tallest pyramid the original height for the pyramid was 471ft, coming just 10 feet shy of matching Khufu's pyramid, and had a base length which was 706 feet. Due to erosion this pyramid now stands at 448ft tall. Khafre was obsessed with having a better pyramid than his father, he built his on higher ground just so that he would have to work less. For how big it is there are only 2 entrances and one chamber that has been robbed of the mummified remains.

Menkaure dies.

2503 BCE

Before the completion of his pyramid Menkaure passes away. His site is left abandoned until his successor Shepseskaf takes over and completes his pyramid. However they did not use the same material, the finishing materials were mud brick.

Menkaure's Pyramid.

2490 BCE

This tomb was the last major one for this site in Egypt. When it was built it stood 213ft tall and had an uneven base of 335ft x 343ft. Historians are not sure why the final pyramid was fraction of the size of those around it. However research showed that that the bottom part of the pyramid was made out of granite, including the burial chamber. This might have contributed to a halt in construction due to the time it took to carve.

Workers VIllage.

2489 BCE

These pyramids would be nothing without its workers! Since the pyramids were built so long ago it is hard to figure out how exactly they built them. Once believed that they were built with slave labor new research and excavations are proving otherwise. It is estimated that over 10,000 workers lived 1,500 feet near the Sphinx in a village. People who were once thought of as slaves are now seen as workers who were well fed and well treated.

Workers Village continued.

2488 BCE

Archaeologists estimate that on average 4,000 pounds of meat were slaughtered to help provide a meat rich diet to ensure the workers had enough energy. There is also evidence of medical assistance, they have found numerous bones that healed. Back in those days that would have attracted many people to work for the Pharaoh without being forced into labor. The workers were on scheduled shifts, 10,000 workers would construct the pyramid for 3 months before they rotated.

Informational Video

2486 BCE

HISTORY Videos Egyptian Pyramid

Citations continued

2486 BCE

Jarus, Owen. "Giza Secret Revealed: How 10,000 Pyramid Builders Got Fed." LiveScience. 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. "Menkaure." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Oct. 2016.
"National Geographic: Egypt--Pyramid of Menkaure at Giza." National Geographic: Egypt--Pyramid of Menkaure at Giza. Web. 08 Oct. 2016. "Pyramid of Khafre." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Oct. 2016.

Citations.

2485 BCE

"Giza Timeline." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. "Great Pyramid of Giza." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Oct. 2016. Hoffman, By Carl. "Pyramids at Giza -- National Geographic." National Geographic. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. "Menkaure." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 08 Oct. 2016.